Chronic Conditions & Non Communicable Diseases

Chronic diseases and conditions—such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and arthritis—are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. They are also among the most costly and preventable of all health problems.

NCDs are not only a health problem but a development challenge as well. These diseases force many people into, or entrench them in poverty due to catastrophic expenditures for treatment. They also have a large impact on undercutting productivity.

Tobacco use kills nearly 6 million people a year. By 2020, this number will increase to 7.5 million, accounting for 10% of all deaths.

Eliminating major risks could prevent most NCDs. If the major risk factors for Chronic Conditions / Non Communicable Diseases were eliminated, 75% of heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes would be prevented; and 40% of cancer would be prevented.